Situated at the foot of Mt Daisetsu-zan, the Soun Gorge is known as "the roof of Hokkaido". An abundance of hot springs, waterfalls, amazing rock formations and high cliffs provide a tremendous attraction for the millions of visitors who come year after year.

A range of modern hot spring resorts are located in the centre of the gorge offering some of the best outdoor and indoor baths available in Japan.

Every year, two major festivals are held. Visitors in summer will enjoy the Sounkyo hi matsuri (fire festival) whilst in the middle of winter the Hyobaku-matsuri (ice waterfall festival) is an event not to be missed .

Sights

Kurodake Ropeway
Take a ride up the ropeway to enjoy the best views of the Taisetsu-san range. By taking both the ropeway and ski lift you can get to more than 2/3 of the way up to Kuro Dake peak which stands at 1984m.

Silver River and Shooting Star Falls
Sounkyo's gorges which stretch for 24kms along the Ishikari river feature a number of waterfalls with Silver-River and Shooting Star Falls providing the main attraction. Silver-River Falls feature extremely thin waterfalls that look more like thread or string and the Shooting-Star Falls are the exact opposite with a more thick and powerfull display.

Yuyurin Nature Trail
Located around Lake Taisetsu this nature trail provides easy navigation by means of a wooden path which winds through the surrounding scenery. Trees and sightseeing points are labelled to provide visitors easy access to information regarding the trees and various sceninc points that can be found along the trail.

Taisetsu Kogen Onsen Pond Tour
Located approximately 50 minutes by car from Sounkyo and best viewed in Autumn the circuit around the various ponds involves a trek totalling approximately 4 hours. Mid-September is the best time to see the autumn leaves as they reflect their various colors in the ponds below.

Taisetsu Fish Farm
Rainbow Trout and Cherry Salmon thrive in the clear springs that flow from the foot of Mt Taisetsu. Try your hand at catching these freshwater fish at the Taisetsu Fish Farm.

Accommodation

Enjoy a meromable stay at picturesque Sounkyo Onsen at either one of these well known hotels.

Hotel Taisetsu

Sounkaku Grand Hotel